Boccia Programme
The Boccia Programme is open to all centre’s who cater for people with disabilities in Westmeath. The programme is delivered within each centre and involves staff been trained in a new activity and provides service users with the opportunity to participate in a new sport at recreational and competitive level. Each service provider most commit to having a minimum of two staff trained in the activity and also has to appoint a Boccia Co-ordinator. On completion of the programme each centre receives a grant to put towards the purchase of a Boccia Set. The set has to be used on a weekly basis, and included in the timetable of the centre.
A Boccia League was developed for National Learning Network/Rehab Care Centres in Westmeath and Offaly and implemented by the Sports Inclusion Disability Officers of Westmeath/Offaly Sports Partnership. This provided each centre with the opportunity to compete against other teams within Westmeath and Offaly. The league is run on a round robin system, allowing each team to accumulate points and hopefully make it to the finals. Over 100 participants participated in the league every year.
If you would like to participate in the league please contact Mary on 044 9338921 or email mary@westmeathsports.ie
Press Release – Boccia Finals 2012
The final round of the Midlands Boccia League was played on Tuesday, April 17th in Moate Community Centre. Since last October 28 teams have being competing in the league with the aim of accumulating enough points to ensure a semi final place.
On Tuesday each team in Division 1 and 2 had one last game to increase their position on the table, with many teams contending the top four positions. Following a tally of the points in Division 1, Fresh Start, Athlone Town, D’unbelievables and Green Dragons would contest the semi finals, while in Division 2, N-Dubs, Offaly Tigers, Panthers and Rope Makers would battle for a place in the final.
Each of the teams took to the courts surrounded by many supporters and friends cheering them on. All four games showcased the hard work and commitment put into the game by all the players and their centres, it was evident that the crowd was definitely going to see two very entertaining finals.
Battling for Division 1 honours where two teams form the National Learning Network, Mullingar, D’unbelievables and Fresh Start, and battling for Division 2 honours was Rope Makers form the National Learning Network in Tullamore and the Panthers, from St. Hilda’s Service, Athlone. Both games where definite crowd pleasers with the Division 1 final coming down to the second last ball, a brilliantly aimed ball thrown by a very skilful Fresh Start player. Rope Makers where crowned the Division 2 Midlands Boccia League Champions while Fresh Start where crowned the Division 1 Champions.
A big thank you to the Sport and Recreation co-ordinator form Moate Business School, Miriam Hally, Joe Meegan (Sports Lecturer A.I.T) and all the students who volunteered their time and refereed on the day. Thanks to Moate Community Centre and Athlone Institute of Technology for their hospitality. Thank you to all the centres in both Westmeath and Offaly for your continued support in the Midlands Boccia League.
